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Healthy eating classes planned at Rural Ministry

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’ has announced that beginning in September, a series of classes focused on eating more healthfully while saving money at the grocery store will be available at Rural Ministry in Dunkirk.

For eight weeks at 4 on Wednesday afternoons, Heather Gregory, Nutrition Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County, will share shopping tips, recipes and fun ways to get moving.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to connect with the Rural Ministry community,” Gregory said. “Our nutrition sessions cover everything from making SNAP benefits last the whole month, to portion awareness, food safety, and even dealing with picky eaters in your home.”

The sessions are free for low-income families and those taking care of children through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. The goals of program are to encourage families to eat more fruits and vegetables; drink fewer sweetened beverages, maintain a healthy weight, and be physically active. Many of the sessions focus on meal planning and making grocery store trips efficient and affordable.

Kathleen G. Peterson, Chautauqua County Rural Ministry executive director, is equally enthusiastic about this new partnership. “Chautauqua County Rural Ministry has a history of meeting the unmet needs of food insecurity, menu planning, and healthy eating habits,” she said. “The partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County truly adds to our mission. It’s with great pleasure that we provide this service … to our community.”

The Chautauqua County Rural Ministry is an interfaith human service agency located at 319 Washington St. It has been in existence for more than five decades. With a strong foundation in the community, Rural Ministry is able to provide services that aren’t available through other organizations. Each year, thousands of families gain assistance with food, clothing, shelter and work opportunities. Heather is looking forward to enhancing these existing opportunities.

“I love teaching our Food and Nutrition Education Series,” Gregory says. “Even if you are already good at meal planning, it’s such an easy thing to get out of the habit of. These sessions reinforce the value of having a plan, a list, and a shopping strategy – especially as the school year begins and our schedules fill up with all of the kids’ activities!”

Signups are happening now at Rural Ministry by contacting Peterson or Bridget Majka in person or at 366-1787. Gregory can also take your registration at 664-9502 ext. 221.

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